Pretoria: The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has officially refuted claims circulating on social media that it has deployed soldiers in preparation for protest actions scheduled at the end of June.

According to South African Government News Agency, the SANDF expressed concern over misleading online reports suggesting that the military was poised to respond to planned marches and protests on June 30, 2026, organized by civil society groups advocating for the repatriation of illegal nationals. The SANDF categorically denied these assertions, labeling them as false and intentionally misleading. The organization emphasized that no directives or preparations have been made for any deployment related to the anticipated activities.

The SANDF stressed its commitment to the constitutional right to peaceful protests. In its statement, the defense force urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could erode public trust and create unnecessary panic. The organization reiterated its position, distancing itself from the claims and highlighting its operational adherence to the constitutional mandate.

Additionally, the government, through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, affirmed last week that public gatherings are permitted but urged leaders to ensure they are conducted responsibly. The SANDF's statement underscored its commitment to its constitutional role, reinforcing that no deployment plans exist for the protest events.